DA will reconsider Menendez brothers' resentencing if they confess

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has stated he will reconsider resentencing Lyle and Erik Menendez only if they confess to what he describes as decades of lies about their actions. In an interview with ABC News, Hochman said that if the brothers "sincerely and unequivocally admit" to their full criminal conduct, he would be open to recommending a new sentence. Hochman's comments follow his request to the court to withdraw a previous motion for resentencing. He argues that the Menendez brothers do not qualify for resentencing or rehabilitation, suggesting they continue to lie about their self-defense claims. He detailed a checklist of 20 lies, of which the brothers have only acknowledged four, insisting that they must admit to killing their parents in a premeditated manner. The Menendez brothers were convicted for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez, and are currently serving life sentences without parole. The district attorney emphasized that the sexual abuse claims the brothers have made over the years were never a part of their defense during the trial. Family members of the Menendez brothers have said they experienced severe abuse and have expressed that the brothers have shown remorse. One cousin criticized Hochman's remarks as dismissive. Hochman, while acknowledging the family's desire for the brothers' release, stated the decision should be based on facts and law. A hearing regarding the motion to withdraw the resentencing petition is scheduled for April 11. Depending on the court's decision, a resentencing hearing may follow on April 17 and 18. Hochman mentioned that if the judge chooses to allow the brothers to see a parole board, his office would evaluate the justification for any new decision but would not necessarily appeal it if it aligns with the law. Beyond resentencing, the Menendez brothers are pursuing two other avenues for freedom. They filed a habeas corpus petition in 2023 to review new evidence of alleged abuse, which Hochman argues is not credible. They have also requested clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has ordered a comprehensive assessment on the risk posed by the brothers if released.